Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Guantian, China, where the subtropical climate often exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. Monitoring UV levels is vital not only for sunburn prevention, but also for promoting long-term skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With peak UV readings spiking to an intense 13 around midday, it's essential to stay informed about potential risks and adopt protective measures, especially during the warmer months when the sun's rays are most potent. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, being UV-aware is key to safeguarding your skin in this vibrant locality.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it sharply increases to 4, setting the stage for the day's peak. The intensity hits its zenith at 12:00 PM, soaring to 13—a potent reminder to take sun safety precautions. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV levels begin to wane, dipping to 9 by 2:00 PM and further declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings a gentle decline, with the index falling to 2 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. This dynamic pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection, particularly during the midday hours when the UV rays are strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from March to September, when the index reaches an extreme level of 12 to 13. Notably, February marks the transition into high UV levels, and April through August are particularly high-risk months, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes during this period. As summer approaches, residents and visitors should be vigilant and prioritize sun protection strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing, to minimize the risk of skin damage. In contrast, January, October, November, and December see a decrease in the UV Index, categorized as either high or very high, allowing for longer safe exposure times—up to 25 minutes in January and December. It is essential to remain aware of changing UV levels, particularly during these peak months, to ensure health and safety in sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Shanghai UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Guangzhou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Guantian | 7 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |